Knockdown scaffold



Oct. 4, 1949 D. l. WEISZ 2,483,862

KNOCK-DOWN SCAFFOLD Filed June 2, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet l @ch 4, 1949 D. 1, w lsz 1 2,483,862

KNOCK- DOWN SCAFFOLD Filed June 2, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INV ENT OR.

Patented Oct. 4, 1 949 EJNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE KNOCKDOWN SCAFFOLD Daniel I. Weisz, Zelienople, Pa., assignor to Beaver Art Metal Corporation, Ellwood City, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 2, 1948, Serial No. 30,652

9 Claims. (01. 304-40) 1 2 I This invention-relates generally to knock-down plete section of scaffold equipped with the form scafiolds and, in particular, to an improvement f the invention shown in Figures 7 and 8; V on the connection shown in my Patent No. 2,435,- Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 8 on an 171 for securing the diagonal braces or stays to enlarged scale; and the spaced rectangular end frames of such scaf- 5 Figure 11 is a section taken on the plane of line folds in order to form a rigid self-sustaining |l-|l of Figure 10. structure. Referring now in detail to the drawings and,

Knock-down scaffolds'are used extensively but for the present, to Figures 1 through 6, rectanguas made prior to the invention covered by my lar end frames I0 are composed of posts l2 and patent aforesaid, they required considerable time 10 beams ll welded together. The posts and beams and labor as well as the use of tools for erection are shown as tubular but may be of any section.

and dismantling. It is the object of this inven- In erecting the scaffold, the end frames are set tion to provide a connection between the braces up on the ground in spaced relation and connected and end frames even simpler and easier to maby diagonal braces or stays l3. The braces may nipulate than the type shown in said patent. 15 also be of any desired section but are shown as In a preferred embodiment of the present intubular. The frames are built up one on another vention, I provide gusset plates at the junction to the desired height, dowels M being inserted in of the horizontal and vertical members of the end the upper ends of the posts of each frame and frames. These plates have keyhole slots extending the lower ends of the posts of the next frame thereinto from an exposed edge, adapted to reabove are disposed thereon. My improved conceive the end of a brace or stay. I also provide nection between the end frames and braces inthe brace with a head at each end and a flange cludes gusset plates l5 welded to the posts and spaced inwardly thereof. Between each head beams in the corners of the frames and having and flange, I rotatably mount a collar having a keyhole slots [6 therein. Each slot has a resegmental flange and a handle for turning it. stricted neck adjacen an e p edge of the The segmental flange is adapted to enter the rep te an an eye spaced from the edge. The stricted outer neck of the keyhole slot when Width of the neck of the slot is slightly greater turned to the proper position. When the end of than the diameter of the braces l3. As shown in the brace has been positioned in the eye of the Figure there e WO gusset plates in each corslot, rotation of the collar brings the segmental ner of the frame, the two plates being disposed flange into such position that it will not clear of in the form of a V. the slot and thereby locks the brace in position. Each brace [3 has a head I! in the form of a Acomplete understanding of the invention may disc welded on each end thereof. A flange I8 is be obtained from the following detailed descripwelded at each end of the brace a short distance tion and explanation which refer to the accoma d y 0 e head- A M l9 having a panying drawings illustrating two preferred emmanipulating lever 01 handle 20 is rotatably dlS- bodiments, posed between each head and flange. The col-,-

I th drawi s, lar l9 has segmental flanges 2| extending later- Figure 1 is a partial elevation of one end frame ally thereof. These flanges are of such width of a scaffold having the invention applied thereto; at y W p o h he necks of the slots Figure 2 is a section through the horizontal Hi. The eyes of the slots have a diameter slightly members of one end frame showing th ends of greater than the outside diameter of the flanges diagonal braces secured thereto; 2|. This permits rotation of the collars after Figure 3 is a front elevation of the locking colthey have entered into the eyes of the slots.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the Fi r 4 is a id e1 ati thereof; braces may be quickly and easily connected to Figur 5 i an l ti of n nd of a brace the gusset plates. The handles 20 are first turned showing th locking lla th i ti to horizontal position. This alines the segmental figure 5 is an elevation of one of th d l flanges 2| with the necks of the slots 5 and perused to connect the end frames when built up mits them to pass therethrough. When the ends one on another; of the braces have thus been brought into the Figures 7 and 8 are similar to Figures 1 and 2, yes of the slots, the handles 20 are turned down. respectively, showing a slightly difierent form of This centers the braces in the eyes and places connection; the flanges 2| in such relation to the necks of Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a comthe slots that they cannot be removed. The

braces are thus firmly connected to the end frames and constitute the latter a rigid, self-sustaining structure.

When it is desired to dismantle the scaffold, the end frames may be disconnected and taken down by removing the ends of the braces from the slots in the gusset plates. This is accomplished simply by turning the handles 28 back to horizontal position and withdrawing the ends of the braces through the necks of the slots l6.

Figures 7 through 11 show a slightly different form of gusset plate 22 which is of U-shape, having spaced parallel sides in which keyhole slots 23 are formed. The braces 24 cooperating therewith have angularly disposed ends 25 on which the heads H, flanges l8 and collars l9 are mounted in the same way as described in detail with reference to Figures 1 through 6, the functioning of the parts is the same in both cases. The only difference is that in Figures 1 through 6, the gusset plates are at an angle and the braces are straight while in Figures 7 through 11, the gusset plates are parallel and the ends of the braces are bent to the angle necessitated by the diagonal relation of the braces to the end frames.

The connection of my invention is characterized by numerous advantages. In the first place, it is simple in construction so it may be manufactured cheaply. It is easy to operate, requiring no skill or experience. obviated. At the same time, the connection is strong and tight and is not likely to be broken accidentally.

The only working part, the locking collar with its operating handle, is permanently united with the brace so that it cannot be detached or misplaced.

Although I have shown and described only two forms of my invention, it will be understood that changes in the details thereof may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or to the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A separable connection for securing diagonal braces to the rectangular end frames of a knockdown scaffold, comprising a gusset plate on the end frame having a keyhole slot therein including an eye and a restricted neck, a collar rotatably mounted on the brace, said collar having a portion shaped and dimensioned to enter said neck 7 when turned to one position and be held against removal from said eye when turned to another The use of tools is entirely position and retaining means integral with the brace on each side of the collar whereby the collar is maintained against axial or longitudinal movement.

2. A connection as defined by claim 1 characterized by a pair of gussets in each corner of said frame.

3. A connection as defined by claim 2 characterized by said gussets being disposed at an angle to each other.

4. A connection as defined by claim 1 characterized by said collar having manipulating means extending laterally thereof.

5. A connection as defined by claim 1 characterized by said portion being segmental flanges extending laterally of the collar and spaced diametrically opposite each other, the width of said flanges being less than the width of said neck.

6. A separable connection for securing a brace to an end frame comprising a plate secured to said frame having a keyhole slot extending thereinto from an exposed edge, means rotatable on said brace adapted in one position to enter said slot and in another position to prevent its removal from the slot and retaining means on the brace on each side of said rotatable means whereby the rotatable means is maintained against axial or longitudinal movement.

'7. A connection as defined by claim 6 characterized by said rotatable means being permanently mounted on said brace.

8. A connection as defined by claim 6 characterized by said brace having a head at its end, a flange spaced from the end, and said means being a collar between said head and flange.

9. A separable connection for securing diagonal braces to the rectangular end frames of a knock-down scaffold, comprising a pair of gussets in each corner of said frame, said gussets being parallel to each other and having keyhole slots therein including an eye and a restricted neck, a collar rotatably mounted on the brace, said collar having a portion shaped and dimensioned to enter said neck when turned to one position and be held against removal from said eye when turned to another position, and retaining means integral with the brace on each side of the collar whereby the collar is maintained against axial or longitudinal movement.

DANIEL I. WEISZ.

No references cited. 

